# USDA Rural Housing Apartments Explained (Texas) | Income Restricted Apartments > USDA rural rental housing offers affordable apartments in eligible rural Texas areas. Eligibility, how it differs from LIHTC, and where to find it. URL: https://incomerestrictedapartments.com/guide/usda-rural-housing-explained/ Last-Modified: 2026-06-23 ![Small rural Texas apartment building with open sky and a gravel lot](/images/misc/small-rural-texas-apartment-building-with-open-sky.webp) ## The Program in One Paragraph USDA Rural Development finances affordable rental housing in rural areas, primarily through Section 515 (Rural Rental Housing). Many Section 515 properties also carry Section 521 Rental Assistance, so income-qualified tenants pay about 30% of adjusted income rather than the property’s underlying rent. ## Where It Applies The property has to be in a USDA-designated rural area. USDA maintains eligibility maps that classify areas by population and other criteria. In practice, USDA inventory is common in small Texas towns and outside the immediate metro cores. If you’re renting in the heart of Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or Fort Worth, USDA-financed inventory is limited. Move outward to smaller cities or rural communities and it becomes more available. ## How It Differs from LIHTC - **Owner**: USDA finances the property; LIHTC gives the owner a tax credit - **Rent**: Often income-based (30% of adjusted income) at USDA properties with rental assistance; LIHTC caps rent by tier - **Location**: USDA requires a rural designation; LIHTC is anywhere Some properties are both USDA and LIHTC (dual-financed). That combines the deeper affordability of rental assistance with the tier-based structure. ![USDA rural eligibility zone map of Texas](/images/misc/rural-eligibility-zone-map-texas-usda-section-515-.webp) ## Income Rules USDA income limits are similar in structure to HUD AMI limits but published separately by USDA. Very-low-income and low-income tiers apply. If the property carries rental assistance, income-based rent kicks in. ## How to Find USDA Rural Housing in Texas Contact USDA Rural Development state office for a directory of Section 515 properties, or ask us at intake if you’re open to a rural or small-city location. We check what fits your metro or destination. ## Related Reading - What Are LIHTC Tax Credit Apartments? [/guide/what-are-lihtc-tax-credit-apartments/ →](/guide/what-are-lihtc-tax-credit-apartments/) - Housing Choice Vouchers Explained [/guide/housing-choice-vouchers-hcv-explained/ →](/guide/housing-choice-vouchers-hcv-explained/) - Public Housing Explained [/guide/public-housing-explained/ →](/guide/public-housing-explained/) Start the free intake [/contact/ →](/contact/) . ## Frequently Asked Questions What is USDA rural housing? + Federally financed affordable rental apartments in USDA-designated rural areas, primarily under Section 515. Often paired with rental assistance so tenants pay about 30% of income. Eligibility is income-based like other affordable programs, plus the property must be in a rural area. Do I have to live on a farm? + No. You need to rent at a property in a USDA-eligible rural area and meet the income limit. Rural designations are set by USDA and don't require any agricultural connection. Is USDA rural housing available in the Texas metros you cover? + USDA-financed properties exist across rural and small-city Texas. Within the metros we cover (Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth), USDA inventory is limited but sometimes present in outlying areas. We can check. ## Related Guides ### 2026 Income Limits & AMI Tables by Texas Metro and Household Size 2026 AMI income limits (30/50/60/80%) for affordable apartments by Texas metro and household size. Updated annually from HUD/TDHCA. [2026 Income Limits & AMI Tables by Texas Metro and Household Size →](/guide/2026-income-limits-ami-tables-by-metro-household-size/) ### Accessible & Disability Income Restricted Housing Need an ADA-accessible affordable unit? Accessible set-asides, reasonable accommodations, and how we match you to disability-friendly communities. [Accessible & Disability Income Restricted Housing →](/guide/accessible-disability-income-restricted-housing/) ### Family (2-3 Bedroom) Income Restricted Apartments Need a larger income restricted unit? Occupancy rules, how bedroom count affects AMI, and waitlist realities for 2-3 bedroom units. [Family (2-3 Bedroom) Income Restricted Apartments →](/guide/family-2-3-bedroom-income-restricted-apartments/) ### Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Explained A Housing Choice Voucher helps pay rent at accepting properties. What HCV is, how to get one from your PHA, portability, and how we help. [Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Explained →](/guide/housing-choice-vouchers-hcv-explained/) ![](/images/misc/texas-income-restricted-apartment-community-family.webp) Free · No Application Fees Wasted ## Want a Match, Not Just Info? Start the free 5-minute intake. Licensed Texas team, matches within 24-48 hours, application fee rebate on approval. See If I Qualify [/contact/ →](/contact/) Read More Guides [/guide/ →](/guide/)